Monthly Archives: March 2022

AHUs (Air Handler Units) are parts of HVAC equipment installed on the exterior of a building or in an attic in some cases. They are often described as the 'lungs' of a building, connotated by the fact that they condition large amounts of air that is eventually pushed into the building. AHUs are shaped in large metal boxes called "modules" and are usually responsible for the following functions:

• Heating
• Cooling
• Ventilation
• Maintaining Indoor air quality
• Humidity Control

AHUs are made of components very similar to an air conditioner with a few key differences. Air conditioners such as ductless mini-splits are perfectly suitable for cooling a small area. Whereas for larger areas, a ductless mini-split would fall short, and you would need an air handler. To understand how AHUs work and whether an area requires one, it is important to learn about how the various components of an air handler work in tandem to condition

A hard start kit, also called a compressor saver, is a capacitor which is an electrical component installed in your air conditioner if the compressor is compromised. The compressor's job is to turn on whenever cooling is required. However, AC compressors tend to degrade in harsh summer seasons because the heat often becomes incredibly demanding at times. The issue can be resolved by replacing the compressor altogether or investing in a hard start kit. People choose the latter option because it is much more economical.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, HVAC systems account for 32 percent of a commercial building’s energy use. Therefore, if you are a facility manager or a business owner, it is important for you to improve your HVAC’s efficiency and reduce overall electricity consumption. To keep heating and cooling expenditures low, you would need a combination of strategic planning, smart purchasing, and maintenance programs.

After consulting with our HVAC experts, we have compiled a list of 11 practices that can help you reduce your monthly utility bills. So whether you are a domestic user or a business owner, continue reading to learn more.

Ways To Lower HVAC Costs

1- Consider New Windows For Your Facility

Old windows are not that energy efficient. Whereas newer windows come with an energy-efficient coating that helps to minimize the infrared and ultraviolet light that passes through the glass and into your facility.

Whether it's winters or summers, this coating helps in either season. During winter, it helps to retain the indoor heat. On the other hand, in Summers, it reflects the heat away. This significantly reduces the burden on your air conditioning system, translating into reduced electrical bills! Although this would require a high upfront investment yet the savings it will bring will make up for it in the long term.

2- Seal Windows for Air Leaks

Air leaks take a huge toll on your utility bills because they force your HVAC system to work harder to cool your space and maintain the required temperature continuously. One of the primary reasons for such air leaks is inadequately sealed windows. This is why sealing leaks is essential to prevent the cold air from seeping out of your windows and save energy!

Air leaks can be avoided through using the following:

• - Caulk and a caulking gun
• - Putty knife
• - Weatherstripping

3- Install a Programmable Thermostat or Deploy Smart Technology

If you are a facility manager or a business owner, investing in smart technology such as smart air conditioners or smart thermostats can significantly help save energy!

With such technological advancements in HVAC appliances, you can schedule your system or set intelligent triggers that help maintain the climate in a certain space. Once the desired temperature is achieved, the system automatically switches off to avoid consuming electricity and help you save on utility bills.

Related Article: 5 AIR CONDITIONING TIPS FOR SUMMER

4- Thermostat placement

If you’re already considering replacing your older thermostat with a smart thermostat, make sure that the new thermostat is located on the right wall in your home because the placement of the thermostat can play a huge role in determining how the HVAC system works throughout the day. Avoid placing it next to a hot window and instead use a centralized wall so that your system does not kick on frequently.

5- Use Ceiling and Portable Fans

Contrary to general belief, a ceiling fan is a great way to assist your air conditioner in making your space feel cooler. This will allow you to increase the thermostat by about four degrees without losing any comfort and save money on utility bills. You can save up to 40% on electricity costs.

6- Replacing HVAC Air Filters

Another good practice to keep your HVAC unit running smoothly and keeping its operating costs low is by keeping air filters clean.

Over time, air filters accumulate dust particles and get blocked. Dirty filters force the HVAC system to work harder and end up consuming far more energy than required. To keep them in optimal shape, have them checked, serviced, and changed regularly.

7- Make Sure Your Air Conditioner Is the Right Size

Choosing an air conditioner's appropriate size depending on your area is essential to ensure reduced operational costs. If your unit is too small, it would need to work harder to attain the desired temperature, whereas a larger unit would use more energy than required.

8- Don’t Skip Maintenance

Regular maintenance of an HVAC system helps to reduce cooling costs. It improves efficiency and keeps your system running at full capacity. However, skipping maintenance schedules keeps piling up things, making your HVAC work harder, giving you a hefty utility and repairing bill in the end.

9- Strategically Place Your Appliances

Appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, cooking ranges, and stoves emit heat when in use. Therefore, these appliances should be positioned in well-ventilated and less occupied areas of the facility because they force your HVAC system to work harder, resulting in increased energy costs.

10- Use Blinds, and Curtains

As discussed earlier, windows are a major heat source in the Summer season, and energy-efficient coating should be used to minimize the infrared and ultraviolet light that passes through the glass. However, since such glasses come with a huge upfront cost, blinds and curtains can be a helpful alternative. They will also help insulate your windows, keeping the cold air from escaping outdoors.

11- Plant More Trees

Planting more trees is a long-term thing to reduce your utility bills. If your facility is surrounded(shaded) by trees, they will reduce the amount of sunlight that comes through windows, resulting in a much pleasant indoor temperature. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, planting trees to shade your home can increase your AC unit’s efficiency by up to 10 percent.

We hope this blog provided value and helped you shave dollars off your monthly bills without making your employees, and customers sacrifice comfort. If your HVAC system needs regular maintenance or inspection, contact our professional HVAC technicians at (877) 776-8228 to schedule an appointment today.

Creating favorable working and living conditions in a commercial facility is crucial to ensure comfort for people who spend time in the premises. Being a facility owner or manager, you don't want to compromise on the Air Conditioning or Ventilation of the facility to maintain a comfortable environment for both the customers and the employees. Air Conditioners undoubtedly play a vital role in our lives. But, just like any other appliance, they need regular maintenance to deliver optimal performance.

We asked our HVAC experts to identify the most common problems that crop up with air conditioners and created a list along with good practices to prevent them. This can help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

1 - Water Leakage (Indoors)

Leaking indoor units are a clear sign of an overdue maintenance as one of the main reasons for such a problem is a clogged condensate drain of the system either due to algae or fungi. However, in some cases, this